Project Officer-COSME Project

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1937, Plan International, Inc. (“PII”) is a globally recognized non-profit dedicated to advancing children’s rights and gender equality in both humanitarian and development contexts. With over 80 years of experience, Plan International addresses the root causes of challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children, working in 70+ countries. The organization collaborates with children, young people, supporters, and partners to create a just world, acknowledging that the potential of every child is often hindered by poverty, violence, exclusion, disasters, and discrimination.

Plan International Kenya (PIK), operational since 1982, focuses on long-term development. Collaborating closely with local communities and governments, PIK implements programs to enhance the well-being of children in areas such as Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka-Nithi, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Turkana, and Marsabit.

OUR STRATEGY STATEMENT

Under the current Country Strategy (July 2021 – June 2026), PIK aims to end teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence against girls. This goal aligns with four strategic objectives:

1.    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Improve access to SRHR services and information to reduce teenage pregnancies and harmful practices in Kenya.
2.    Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence: Ensure functional child and girls’ rights protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to all forms of violence and abuse.
3.    Protecting Girls and Young Women in Crisis and Climate Change Adaptation: Minimize the impact of disasters on girls, young women, families, and communities.
4. Youth-led and Innovative Partnerships for Job Creation: Build a stronger ecosystem for youth employment and entrepreneurship, particularly for vulnerable young women, fostering job seekers and creators.

ABOUT COSME PROJECT

Plan International’s Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME) project aims to significantly scale up Plan International Kenya’s current women-led, climate-resilient livelihoods and coastal management project in Kwale and Kilifi counties. It takes an ecosystems-based approach in partnership with Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Canada, COSME will also capitalize on opportunities for South-South learning by working between Kenya/Tanzania cross-border communities within the same marine coastal and coastal forest eco-regions. The project will be instrumental in driving Nature Based Solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation in the selected eco-regions: i) mangrove restoration and conservation; ii) sustainable seaweed farming; and iii) locally-led forest management and conservation. Small-scale conservation agriculture practices will also be deployed to build the resilience of women in selected communities.  The ultimate project outcome is improved climate-resilient, equitable economies within communities relying on coastal and marine ecosystems.
 

THE ROLE

The Project Officer (PO) will work under the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME) project. Their primary responsibility will be to implement gender transformative climate adaptation and resilience initiatives within the broader scope of the COSME project at the field level.  The PO will ensure effective partnership management and promote meaningful participation of stakeholders to successfully deliver on the project’s objectives. His/her role will include, mobilisation of project stakeholders, direct COSME project implementation, monitor and report on progress of project activities in line with the detailed project implementation plan and to provide administrative and logistical support. The role is intended to manage partnerships (county government, community groups, learning institutions, national NGOs, corporate agencies etc.) and sustain a good working relationship with all stakeholders for seamless project success.
 

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications/ experience essential: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental studies, Climate Science, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Related courses
• At least 3 or more years of relevant work experience.
• At least 2 years’ experience managing partnerships in projects
• Direct project management experience, preferably in the climate action, conservation, environment, and disaster risk management or related field.
• Must have proven knowledge of or an interest in Nature Based Solutions and marine ecosystems
• Knowledge of women economic empowerment and gender integration best practices
• Knowledge and Experience on sustainable Livelihoods
• Hold personal values, ethics and attitudes which are in alignment with the principles of the Plan’s values
• Motorcycle riding skills and experience

Qualifications/ experience desirable: 

• Strong report writing skills 
• Documentation of project impact stories of change
• Community facilitation, networking, partnership development and management skills 
• Good communication, negotiation and advocacy skills 
• Good interpersonal, relationship and team working 
• Conflict Management skills 
• Ability to understand the cultural context of the coastal communities.
• Experience in program phase out management
   

Languages required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Kiswahili and English.

Click the link below to access the full job description:

JD Project Officer-COSME KILIFI PU.pdf

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Disclaimer: Plan International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate applicants on any basis. We also do not charge Job seekers any fees at any point of the recruitment process.